Tiana

What do you like about your course and why?

One of the things I enjoy most about studying Law at Surrey is how supportive and approachable the lecturers are. The staff genuinely want to see students succeed and are always happy to offer guidance, answer questions and encourage us to make the most of the opportunities available. Having that support has made a real difference to my experience and has helped me grow in confidence throughout my studies.

I also really appreciate how much we're encouraged to get involved beyond our studies. There are so many opportunities to challenge yourself, meet new people and develop your interests, whether that's through the Law Society, competitions or other activities. 

Taking part in these opportunities has been one of the highlights of my university experience, and I don't think I would have had the confidence to put myself forward for some of them without the encouragement I've received.

What do you enjoy most about Surrey?

Being a member of different societies has been a huge highlight of my university experience, as it's allowed me to meet so many people, build friendships and get involved in different activities.

The Law Society is particularly great at bringing students together, whether that's through bar crawls, socials or other events throughout the year. It's a really nice way to get to know people across different year groups and take a break from studying.

I also really like the balance Surrey offers between campus life and being so close to Guildford town centre. There's always something going on, and I feel like I've been able to make the most of university life both academically and socially.

Tell us more about other extra-curricular opportunities you've had at Surrey

One of the highlights of my time at university so far has been winning the internal Client Interviewing Competition alongside my partner. After progressing through the earlier rounds, we reached the final, which was hosted at the London office of Norton Rose Fulbright, an international law firm. We had the opportunity to demonstrate our interviewing skills in front of practising lawyers from the firm, who judged the final and selected us as the winners.

It was an incredibly rewarding experience, particularly as it gave us the chance to receive feedback from legal professionals and gain a better understanding of the skills involved in working with clients. The competition really pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me develop my confidence, communication and ability to think on my feet. Having our efforts recognised by lawyers at such a well-established firm made the experience even more memorable.

I've also taken on a mentoring role within the Law Society, supporting first-year law students as they settle into university life. It's been really rewarding to share my own experiences and offer advice, particularly as I remember how daunting starting university can feel.

What do you want to do when you graduate?

After graduating, I plan to go on to complete a Master's degree alongside my Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). I'd then like to spend some time practising as a solicitor and gaining hands-on experience in the legal profession before eventually going on to complete the Bar Course.

What's your advice for new students?

Jump in with both feet! Say yes to opportunities, get involved in societies, put yourself forward for competitions and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. It might feel daunting at first, but some of the best experiences come from taking that leap. Make the most of everything Surrey has to offer, because it'll all be worth it!